1st Xiangjiang Regatta - 'Happy Changsha, Charming Xiangjiang'

by Event Media on 20 Jun 2015 The magnificent scene of hundreds of sailboats competing on the Xiangjiang River will be expected in Changsha during this weekend's Dragon Boat Festival. For the first time an international sailing regatta is to be staged on a river in an inland city, in China. With top-level sailing skills, approachable watching environment for audience, grand fireworks shows and interactive carnival activities, Changsha will certainly witness a distinctive Dragon Boat Festival.

The 2015 China (Changsha) Xiangjiang River International Regatta and Water Carnival will be held at Orange Isle, 21-22 June. It is the first time for China’s inland city to host such a large-scale sailing event.

The competition will be composed of two parts, the rally race and track race. The sailing rally will start from the temporary shipside at the south end of Orange Isle to the marina of Yuxiang Cotton Mill, rowing (sic) downstream for a length of 12.5km. The track race will take place along the west bank of the river ranging from the south end of Orange Isle to the north of the Houzishi Bridge. The event will be conducted in the core region of Changsha with its track passing nearly 30 scenic spots in Changsha, such as Hunan First Normal University, Tianxin Pavilion, Du Fu Pavilion (the Pavilion on the shore of Xiang River in honor of Famous Poet Du Fu), Pozi Street, Fiery Palace, Kaifu Temple, Yuelu Academy, Yuelu Mountain and the Orange Isle, fully displaying Changsha’s natural landscape, characteristics and profound cultural foundation.

As of yesterday, preparatory works were in progress accordingly, for instance registration of competitors from home and abroad and security plans formulating. About 400 participants have signed up, including competitors from China’s national team and provincial teams, as well as sailors, security personnel and technical officers from eight countries and regions such as France, the United Kingdom and Belgium etc. About 100 carracks [carrack (n): large merchant ship of a type operating in European waters 14th-17th century. Shades of the China Cup’s galleons?] and working boats in various sizes will be available. Spectators can watch the game along the Xiangjiang River Bank, on the Orange Isle and Yuelu Mountain as well.

The event, with the theme 'Happy Changsha, Charming Xiangjiang', is jointly hosted by the Chinese Yachting Association, Hunan Provincial Sports Bureau, Hunan Provincial Tourism Bureau and Changsha Municipal People’s Government, and undertaken by the Changsha Tourism Bureau and Changsha Sports Bureau. During the Festival, in addition to the sailing race, the organizing committee will arrange a series of activities such as fireworks shows on the Orange Isle, sailing culture experience day and Sailing Carnival.

The 2015 International Regatta lasts two days. Besides physical competitions, there will be numerous wonderful activities. Firstly, the opening ceremony will be held on the morning of 20th June. It is divided into two major parts, onshore and water programmes, such as recitation of Songs of Chu, performances of classical dance and song. The Welcome Ceremony for international sailors will be held at night, and Awards Dinner & Closing Ceremony on the following day.

In addition to activities for competitors, activities on the Orange Isle and Yuxiang Cotton Mill will be available for public participation.

According to the Organizing Committee, and in light of security and the long length of shoreline of the regatta and many watching places, ‘Safety Guide on Watching Game’ will be published about a week before the race in major crowded areas in Changsha city. Separation barriers and protecting devices will be set up in watching places in key areas.

It is known that this event will recruit university student volunteers to keep guard on security in key areas. The recruitment will be initiated soon.

Tips:

1.What can you watch in sailing?

Sailing is a perfect blend of wind, water, people and boat; hence spectators can watch the speed, competitors and the cooperation of boats and natural conditions.

Competitors - Demonstration of competitors' endurance and volition is a major aspect when watching sailing.

Performance - Being conducted in natural conditions, sailing is directly affected by weather and hydrologic conditions. Therefore, planned race rounds may not be finished; hence there are no absolute records but the best results.

2. No high-heeled shoes
Since sailing is fashionable and exciting, audiences watching the game need to be dressed as casually as possible for convenience and comfort. It is highly suggested to dress sportswear and avoid wearing high heels.

The first edition of Xiang River International Sailing Invitation Tournament is supported by China Cup Organizing Committee.

Racing: 2 days, 6 races in total (planned) short distance and inshore races.?

Classes: FarEast 28R one design (invited international teams, one country one boat); FarEast 18R one design (invited Hong Kong and domestic teams); LASER, LASER RADIAL, 470 MEN and WOMEN (invited Chinese National Olympic sailors)?.

Scale: About 200 competitors?

Schedule (preliminary):?
June 17 to 19
Competitor check-in, boat delivery and training?

June 20
Day: Racing on the Xiangjiang River
?Night: Welcoming Party and fireworks show?

June 21
Day: Racing on the Xiangjiang River
?Night: Overall Prize-giving party?

Jun 22: City tour for international teams?

Fees: The racing boat for international teams is FarEast 28R (brand new, 6 crew required). Charter fee, entry fee, local accommodation, meals and transportation (from Changsha airport to hotel/venue) all free, you just need to cover the ticket from your departure country to Changsha Huanghua International Airport (transfer in Beijing or Shanghai or Hong Kong). You are also welcome to bring family/supporter to the event.?

Prizes: Trophy and prize money for the top three places of each class (RMB 12,000), second place,(RMB 10,000) and third place (RMB 6,000) - subject to the NOR?

Host city introduction: Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province in south-central China, located on the lower reaches of the Xiang River, a branch of the Yangtze River. Changsha was important from the time of the Qin dynasty (221–207 BC). In AD 750–1100 Changsha was a major commercial hub, and its population increased greatly. Under the Qing dynasty, from 1664, it was the capital of Hunan province, and it was a major rice market. It was besieged during the Taiping Rebellion but never fell. Changsha was the site of Chairman Mao Zedong's conversion to communism. It was the scene of major battles in the Sino-Japanese War of 1937–45 and was briefly occupied by the Japanese. Rebuilt since 1949, the city is now a major interior port and a commercial and industrial center.


Official Website: http://www.xjcup.com/